Friendship, success, family, purpose and love. (Oh yeah, and a sexy body.) Everybody wants some of that, right? This blog is about one woman's endeavor to find, and deal with, all of those things — and the never-ending struggle to keep her apartment clean.

Something I Suck at…

And packing the week before a big trip when I’ve been working overtime…

And concentrating.

So, despite my best efforts (alright, maybe they weren’t my BEST efforts) I’m still not packed for my trip. And I’m supposed to leave tomorrow at like 4:30 a.m. — so no packing right before I leave for the airport.

I did try. I made sure all of my clothes were clean on Monday night. I was going to shop for incidentals on Tuesday night and plan the pack on Wednesday night. Between those two nights I was also planning on getting my apartment clean enough that nothing would be growing in it when I came home.

Then I was going to pack it all up on Thursday night so that I could just grab it and take it to my parent’s house Friday after work. (Where I will be forced to spend the night because I have to leave for the airport at 4 a.m. and there’s no way that’s happening unless another human being — who is stronger than I am (Dad), or more stubborn than I am (Mom) — is there to drag my sleepy petulant butt out of bed.

Well, I got my laundry done. And mom and dad will certainly be dragging me out of bed tomorrow morning. But my suitcase is still sitting in my living room empty. So is my carry-on. And currently my purse is even practically empty too.

So yeah, not packed.

And I have a few theories about why. Theory 1: I’ve never been on a trip like this before.

The closest I ever got was a trip to L.A. to see my friend Julia and assuage a broken heart and a bruised ego. That time I didn’t have to think very hard about what to bring. I knew she had all the bathroom items I would need and my wardrobe was easy. Jeans, t-shirts, flip-flops. Oh, and pony-tail holders. I remember swimming, so I must have packed my swimsuit too.

Other than that I travel to see my sister pretty regularly, but I never need a whole 9 days worth of clothes and I always know exactly what we will be doing so the clothing choices are easy. I mean I used to live in her town — I know how everyone dresses.

I have also packed to move on several occasions, but the issues are very different then. The question isn’t what to bring (because then you bring everything), it’s how to fit everything into the back of one car and not leave behind anything you really love. (Which I was actually amazing at for a while. For a few years there my whole life fit into my car.)

So last night I did gather everything around my suitcase and carry on. (And whimper about how to deal with my vitamins. I refuse to bring them all in their original bottles on sheer principle steeled up with the fact that it is a waste of space.) The next step will be winnowing down the number of items to the point that they will all fit in both bags. Ick.

I’m tired just thinking about it.

I’m also probably going to have to work late tonight because of the senior news. And because I’m still covering two jobs. And we’re launching a new initiative…and I’m training my fill in for when I’m gone. And I want to lay my head down on my keyboard and cry.

Here’s where theory 2 shows up: I’m overworked and under-funned.

Or something to that effect. Time for more truth. I worked late every day this week and once I was liberated from my shackles of corporate servitude I was exhausted. Mind, body and soul, baby. I was tired. Tuesday night I tried to get a few things done but I wound up unable to wrap my mins around my aforementioned simple plan for preparation. I just couldn’t remember what I was going to buy at Wal-Mart. I was going to make a list and then go buy. I couldn’t make the list. My brain had turned into marsh-mellows.

Wednesday was similar. Both nights I could barely get myself home and once there I couldn’t move from the couch. I actually skipped dinner both nights and I slept on the couch in my clothes on Wednesday night. Now that’s pathetic.

And then last night as I was walking out of work at 7 p.m. and I felt broken. Broken from the day at work and very overwhelmed by the realization that I still hadn’t cleaned my house or packed for my trip.

I called my mom crying. “I need help. I haven’t packed yet and I haven’t gotten anything done and I can’t even think straight enough to know what to do next.”

She rushed to my aid, whisked me off to Perkins where we shared a meal and I got some Dr. Pepper to help restore my sanity. She busted out a pen and paper and went to work. She detailed how many tops, how many bottoms and even how many bras and panties I should need.

She made a full list of toiletries and bathroom items and she even marked down what she thought I should put in my carry on and my purse. Man, it is amazing to watch that woman plan. I don’t know if I have only inherited a portion of her glorious ability or if mine just isn’t fully developed at this age but it was wonderful to have her help. And I should have asked for it sooner.

After our planning session I had a list for Wal-Mart. I went to the store and got everything on my list. I went home and organized a bit (gathered everything around the suitcase) and I should now be ready to pack as soon as I get home tonight. At lunch time I will be going home to do a little more planning and to plug in my computer so that it is fully charged tomorrow.

Heck, maybe I’ll even have time to clean my place a little after I pack (and before I go to mom and dad’s to sleep). Yeah…probably not. But Mom offered to clean out my fridge after she takes me to the airport. I don’t think I’ll take her up on that one though — I wouldn’t impose such a vile task on a loved one.

Anyway, it’s almost time to fly and I’m excited, scared, nervous, excited, sleep…did i mention excited? Maybe this will finally put my naked in NY dreams to rest. As well as show me the lives that my friends have chosen.

Related

Rest? In New York? Um… perhaps when you’re in Long Island, my dear. You have heard that NYC is the “City that never sleeps” right? And you do realize that Sky’s birthday is going on while you’re here? If you truly want to see how we live, get some rest on the plane, honeybunny, you’re gonna need it! 🙂 Can’t wait!!!

Yes, you can come and rest with me. Also, I have a washer and a dryer, so 9 days of clothing is totally unnecessary. I also have shampoo and conditioner and towels and pillows and things like that, so don’t worry about those (at least for the Long Isand portin of your trip; can’t speak for Brianne). And if you forget something, we have stores out here, too. So I say: Don’t sweat it!

I’m never good at packing too. Even if I try my hardest, I always seem to leave an important thing behind (like toothbrush or meds). So I have given up, haha. Good thing you have a great mom to count on! Lucky you! 😉

Luckily I live close enough to NY so I don’t have to pack much because the trip isn’t that long. NY’s pizza is definitely great and the subways are very entertaining. But just be prepared to do A LOT of walking.